About Ankara
Ankara is the capital of Türkiye, home to around 3,517,182 people.
Best time
November–March for cooler, drier conditions
Weather
Varies from tropical to temperate depending on the season
Experiences
Things to do in Ankara
1
Ankara Castle
2
Sultan Alaeddin Mosque
3
Arslanhane Mosque
4
Ahielvan Mosque
5
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
6
Kelime Museum
7
Koç Museum
8
Ankara Opera & Ballet
Budget travel
Free things to do in Ankara
Sultan Alaeddin Mosque
Arslanhane Mosque
Ahielvan Mosque
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Suggested itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Ankara Castle
- Visit Sultan Alaeddin Mosque
- Visit Arslanhane Mosque
- Eat at Ward Restaurant and café مطعم ورد
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Ahielvan Mosque
- Visit Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
- Visit Kelime Museum
- Eat at Zelal Cafe
- 3
Day 3
Markets, parks & hidden corners
- Visit Koç Museum
- Visit Ankara Opera & Ballet
- Visit Goksu Park
- Eat at Nado's
Where to eat
Local favourites
Ward Restaurant and café مطعم ورد
This is the place to come for Iraqi food.
Zelal Cafe
Inexpensive trad food.
Nado's
Friendly budget pizzeria.
Kırık Oklava
Great place by Ankara University Cebeci Campus for inexpensive wraps and pancakes.
Yargitay Evi Lokali
Inexpensive place looking onto Kızılay Square, quality erratic.
Tarihi Çiçek Lokantası
Smart place with good cuisine.
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Hotel Midas Kavaklıdere
Welcoming central mid-price hotel.
King Hotel
Simple rooms but good value for the prime location.
New Park Hotel
Boxy modern hotel, usually clean, some street noise.
Radisson Blu
Good value hotel 500 m from railway station.
Yeni Bahar Oteli
Clean and helpful, you can find cheaper on this strip north of Ulus Square but most are dismal.
Shopping
- Ankamall
- Armada
- Karum AVM
- Metromall
- Kentpark AVM
Nightlife
- Telwe Bar
- Soul Pub
- Corvus
- Twister
- Sakal Kafe Bar
- Sixtiees Pub
Museums & culture
- Ankara Castle
- Sultan Alaeddin Mosque
- Arslanhane Mosque
- Ahielvan Mosque
- Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
- Kelime Museum
In pictures
Ankara gallery
Keep exploring
